NHTSA Complaint #11506241 — 2013 FORD EXPLORER

While driving on the highway, the windshield driver's side upper pillar molding detached and flew off hitting the side of the rear of my vehicle. I was unaware of what had happened in the moment but was just knew there was a loud bang as if some type of debris hit my vehicle. I later noticed the lower molding had been damaged as well but was still attached to the vehicle. My safety was at risk in that I was startled by the bang and others could have been harmed by the flying trim. A call to the dealer confirmed there were issues with the trim piece but it was not under warranty and no recalls had been issued at the time. It was not physically inspected by anyone at the time. Due to cost, I ordered and installed a replacement upper trim piece but the lower trim remains damaged. No warnings or symptoms were present. It appears the passenger side remains in tact however does not seem as secure as it should.